Ipswich Star launches Good News Ipswich newsletter

Between breaking news stories and ongoing issues in our town, it can sometimes feel that the heartwarming, positive stories get lost in the flood.  

We want to change that. Every Friday, this is going to be a dedicated space for feel-good stories. We are also introducing a weekly newsletter, which will hit your inbox with those upbeat stories bright and early every Sunday morning (sign up here). 

To keep this going, we need your help. If you have a good news story you would like to be featured, send a photo and 200 words to abygail.fossett@newsquest.co.uk 

A stunning photo of the Ipswich Waterfront, submitted by Ipswich Central director Terry Hunt. Image: Terry Hunt (Image: Terry Hunt)

What we love about Ipswich from your Ipswich Star team 

Clarissa Place (news editor): “Good news cannot help but make you smile. So, I think it’s a great thing to bring all that news in one place so that in a hectic week you can just sit and take in what good is going on in our town.    

“I hope we’ll be able to bring a bit of everything in this section, from individual successes to putting the spotlight on those driven to boosting Ipswich.    

“Ipswich is a place I have grown up in and I want to continue to see it thrive. There’s a lot of good and sometimes it may feel that slips under the radar in a busy world.” 

Abygail Fossett: “As a Felixstowe girl, hopping on the bus to go up to Ipswich as a teenager felt like going to the big city. To this day, I love how diverse the town is, with people of all walks of life coming together in times of need. 

“A shining example of this happened in March. We were very concerned as we’d heard there was to be a protest against refugees being housed in the Novotel over the weekend. 

“However, we needn’t have worried. Over 100 people came together that Saturday, all chanting: “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.” 

Ipswich Star news editor Clarissa Place (second left) with three Ipswich Star reporters, Abygail Fossett (left), Tom Cann (second right) and Aleksandra Cupriak (right). Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Students from Suffolk New College will be supporting the band Reno and Rome at its upcoming Ipswich gig. Image: Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)

Aleksandra Cupriak: “I really like Ipswich, mainly because of its residents. In my opinion, people here are kind and cheerful, as much as possible in these uncertain times.   

“Through my job, I met some amazing figures who spread so much joy and selflessness around the town.  

“I feel very grateful that I can talk to these people every day, share their positive energy and celebrate their successes.  

“I have to mention Ashton Fulcher, known as Pallet Teen. During Easter, this generous teenage carpenter donated 110 Easter eggs to his school hub and a town food bank.  

“Ashton’s charitable projects should be known not only in Ipswich but all over the country! 

Students from One Sixth Form College have been busy creating a 45m mural in the town centre for the Thomas Wolsey 550 project, along with Suffolk-based illustrator, Joel Millerchip. Image: Wolsey 550 (Image: Wolsey 550)

Tom Cann: “I have lived in Ipswich for the past two and a half years, and there is so much to enjoy in the town.  

“One of my favourite areas is probably the Waterfront, featuring one of my favourite pubs, Isaacs on the Quay.  

“It's great that there are so many pubs and bars around the town, all with different feels, different atmospheres and great service.   

“My other favourite place in Ipswich is Portman Road. I have been a Town fan all my life, and I genuinely don't think I would rather be anywhere else in the world than there at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon.” 

Elisabeth Wilson: "One of my favourite things about the town centre is very niche - Bakers and Baristas.

"The small cafe is tucked away near the back of the Sailmakers shopping centre, but they do delicious muffins and the range of flavours is incredible – you can get actual strawberries and cream in a muffin, an apple crumble flavour, and various others.

"And, a little known secret is that you can sometimes get discounted muffins if you go near closing time, as they are made fresh every day.”

On Wednesday, bikers flocked to Ipswich Crematorium for the funeral of veteran Ronald Knights. Although none of them had known him personally, the bikers felt it was important to accompany Mr Knights on his final journey. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Five positive stories from this week: 

The BHS store in the town centre has been given a vibrant new look, having been painted with a 45m mural by young artists from One Sixth Form College as part of the Thomas Wolsey 550 project. 

Students from Suffolk New College have been chosen to support the Suffolk-based band Reno and Rome for their upcoming Ipswich gig. 

The Waverly, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, set sail from the Port of Ipswich with more than 500 passengers on Saturday. This was the first time the vessel had returned to Ipswich since 2000. 

BSC Multicultural Services marked 25 years of working BME communities in Suffolk, after starting life with nothing more than £250 and a dream. 

Bikers flocked to Ipswich Crematorium on Wednesday for the funeral of veteran Ronald Knights. Although none of them knew Mr Knights personally, they were all determined that he would not go on this final journey alone.